News Releases

New Nonsurgical Acid-Refllux Procedure Performed at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center

Houston, Texas, March 30, 2006 – A Houston gastroenterologist has become the first physician in the city to employ a new nonsurgical approach to effectively treat chronic acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The first patients were treated in Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center’s Digestive Disease Center on March 29.

GERD occurs when a muscular valve weakens, allowing stomach contents to move back up the esophagus. This causes discomfort because the esophageal lining can’t accommodate acids the stomach produces to digest food.

Approximately 15 million Americans suffer from daily heartburn, the most common sign of GERD. Other symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, hoarseness and chest pain. Left untreated, GERD can lead to more serious conditions such as Barrett’s esophagus, a precursor to esophageal cancer.

The new procedure performed by Isaac Raijman, M.D., involves extending a device called a Plicator™ from the mouth to the bottom of the esophagus. The device clamps tissue where the esophagus joins the stomach, then places a suture to tighten the valve, helping to prevent stomach acid from entering the esophagus.

Other options for treating GERD include life-long dietary changes and medications to control symptoms, or a surgical procedure that wraps the stomach around the bottom of the esophagus to strengthen the valve.

“The Plicator is an innovative new option for patients who don’t want to undergo surgery or take medications for the rest of their lives,” Dr. Raijman explained. “Unlike surgery, this is an outpatient procedure that doesn’t require an overnight hospital stay.”

This device is the latest step in the development of endoscopic treatments for GERD. A clinical study showed that one year after the procedure, 80 percent of Plicator patients experienced less gastric acid entering the esophagus and 70 percent did not need prescription heartburn medication.

“Gauging the long-term success of endoscopic procedures can be difficult because they are so new, but the Plicator’s results compare favorably to more invasive surgery,” Dr. Raijman said. “Another advantage over some earlier endoscopic methods is that the Plicator procedure is completely reversible.”

Some patients with hiatal hernias may not be candidates for the Plicator, which is manufactured by NDO Surgical.

For more information, contact Media Relations.